Democrat Pryor: Changing Filibuster 'Could Permanently Damage' Senate

Sen. Mark Pryor (D-AR), one of three Democratic senators to vote against changing the Senate's filibuster rules, said that the change "could permanently damage the Senate."

"Today’s use of the ‘nuclear option’ could permanently damage the Senate and have negative ramifications for the American people," he said in a statement. "During my time in the Senate, I’ve played key roles in the Gang of 14 and other bipartisan coalitions to help us reach common-sense solutions that both sides of the aisle can support. This institution was designed to protect -- not stamp out -- the voices of the minority."

The other two Democrats who side with Republicans on the filibuster change were Carl Levin (D-MI) and Joe Manchin (D-WV).